XL4 is just on the horizon, and as the event gets closer, the competition seems to be getting harder by the day. Out of all the top teams though, one team stands out the most, The Incredibles, who are the number one Halo 3 team in the UK and Europe, after winning previous MB360 event XL3 in November '07, and the more recent XLeague 10K Finals, where they landed themselves £5,000. I got to sit down with Dean "Ruffell" Ruffell, team captain of The Incredibles for a short interview.

Anthony: First of all Dean, thanks for taking the time for this interview, and congratulations on your recent win at the XLeague 10K finals. How does it feel to currently be the number one Halo 3 team in the UK and Europe?

Ruffell: I honestly, feel really chuffed at the moment especially after the League finals. The achievement is really good, and it makes you feel good to know that when you put your mind and heart into something it actually does pay off. I know its very cliché, but it’s the truth. So to answer you question in a Mike Bembenek style of answer. “Its SIMPLY UNBELIEVABLE”

Anthony: What are your expectations for the upcoming XL4? Do you feel confident about taking first place again?

Ruffell: I personally feel that when you have the taste of victory anything lower will always be a disappointment. So our personal goal in any tournament will always be first, like I would imagine most other teams would be thinking the same as us, especially as people want to knock us off the top spot to claim as their own.

We have had a bit of a break, now we have just started to play again. So in these next couple of weeks we are putting a lot of practice into our game, and for me personally I have been putting a lot of hours into my own individual skill. With all these I am safe to say we will be confident. Though we are on guard, as a lot of teams are going give us a real run for our money which I am looking forward to as I love the thought of competition.

Anthony: Who do you see as your main competition for XL4, and what teams can you see contending for the top spots?

Ruffell: I think the main competition at XL4, will be whoever wants it more. I could name over eight teams who are looking to be really good. There has been a lot of crazy roster changes in the last month. Though a lot of teams have been practicing hard for this next event, to prove a point to themselves and the community. Also I have yet to play a lot of teams due to our lack of practice over the last few weeks. I might give you a top eight rundown at a closer time to the event.

Anthony: What do you think of all the big team changes that happen pretty much after every event?

Ruffell: Team change is always a hard one to talk about due to the fact as it comes down to the individual person and situation. I think that people are normally too hasty to turn away a player from a lineup, without thinking more deeply into it. This is due to people having too big of an ego to team with certain players. You don’t become the best overnight; it’s a long process which takes more then just a few months practice. People who have teams should just stick at it; it might not pay off the first event. Though I am sure it will after, when you really start to grow as a team.

Anthony: Up until now, what has been the key to your teams success, and what have you done to try and stay ahead of the competition?

Ruffell: Friendship, we are really good friends and don’t want to see any of us fail. So that keeps us motivated and keeps our heads screwed on.

Also as a team we have been playing a lot together. Even down to matchmaking, Me, Gripz and Heavens are always playing games together. It builds up a natural sense of what our teammates are going to do and why.

Anthony: How do you feel about the exposure XLeague is bringing to console e-sports in the UK? Do you think that one day in the near future the UK and EU scene can compete with the best from MLG?

Ruffell: In my eyes the exposure is that best thing that is happening in European Halo at the moment. It will really spark off Halo3 as a top eSports game in the EU, hopefully due to XLeague, we should see the number in the community increase considerably over the next year.

Anthony: Looking back at Halo 2, you were on the most dominant Halo 2 team in Europe and won 3 LAN events with them, how did it feel being dropped from that team and then beating former teammates Mark "La1" Thurston and Harry "Lethal" Thomas at XL3, and did you feel you have a point to prove?

Ruffell: I did have a point to prove, though the point was to myself. I was known as the weaker player of that team and admittedly I was the weaker player. Though halo3 is a new game and a new beginning for me to redeem myself. Through XL3 I had a really good tournament, I would even say my best yet.

Anthony: A slight change of subject, who do you see as up and coming players at XL 4?

Ruffell: Up and coming players. I would watch out for Gaskin, he has been playing a lot really. Doing very well in FFA’s. If he keeps focus, he will do well. Also I have only played a little bit with him though word on the streets tell me Reaction, is a solid player and looks to be promising.

Anthony: I suppose that wraps up about everything I wanted to ask you, thanks a lot for the interview, and good luck at XL4.

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